EYESORE: The burnt-out sports shed at Dickinson Oval, Bermagui.
BERMAGUI residents are waiting for action on the ruined sports shed at Dickinson Oval, with the president of the local AFL club deeming it a “depressing” sight.
The shed was destroyed by fire on September 14 under suspicious circumstances.
The fire not only gutted the premises, but incinerated the thousands of dollars’ worth of sporting equipment inside.
More than a month later, residents have had enough of the burned-out ruin surrounded by a protective fence.
“It’s a very sad reminder of what we’ve lost, it’s depressing to drive past every day,” Bermagui Breakers AFL team president Rocky Lagana said.
“Nobody needs that, not anyone in the town, not the club players and not the Auskick kids.”
Not only did the Breakers lose their training and playing equipment, but all the children’s Auskick equipment was lost as well.
After a call out for help, Mr Lagana said the one bright spot in all of this had been generosity of other clubs.
Teams in the Sapphire Coast AFL (SCAFL) donated equipment and 2012 AFL premiership team the Sydney Swans have also provided Auskick gear to the club.
“It just goes to show there are people out there willing to help,” Mr Lagana said.
The Bega Valley Shire Council has plans in motion to remove the shed and start rebuilding, citing the ongoing police investigation as the hold up.
“The Dickinson Oval site will be cleared in the next few weeks as we have only recently received the go-ahead from local police,” Bega Valley Shire Council assets engineer Richard Cunningham said.
“Council is happy to advise that the site has been inspected by building inspectors and declared free of asbestos.
“We have requested quotes from three contractors in accordance with our procurement policy and we anticipate a decision to be made shortly.
“Council anticipates the clubhouse renewal to be of a similar scale to the original, using modern materials.
“The new building will comply with building codes and take in to account the possibility of sea level rise.”
Detectives from Bega police are still investigating the cause of the fire and are awaiting the results of forensic testing.
Police are asking the public to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 with any information regarding the incident, which occurred around 4am on Friday, September 14.
